MCL cement plant begins operations again, and impacts local residents

October 25, 2022

HURFOM: Mawlamyine Cement Limited (MCL) stopped its operations on June 1, 2020 but in 2022 began operations.

MCL is located nearby Kaw Don and Kaw Pa Naw villages, Kyaikmayaw Township, in Mon State and it first started operations in April, 2017.

Local villagers told HUROM they witnessed shipping vessels frequently travel along the Ataran river in September and October, 2022.

“Since early 2022, ships rarely traveled on the river but now they are traveling every day. The ships carry limestone,” said a villager from Ka Don Si village, Kyaikmayaw Township.

There has also been stone mining taking place from 8-10 pm in Mount Pyar Taung near Kwan Ngan village, Kyaikmayaw Township, Mon State, according to Kyaikmayaw residents. The stone is shipped to MCL to be processed for cement production.

“Now, the ships frequently travel on the river. If we encounter these ships, we have to remove our fishing nets quickly. (If not, the ship will destroy our net). The ships also create big waves which can sink our boats,” said a fisherman from Ni Don village, Kyaikmayaw Township.

Due to the frequent travel of these big supply ships in the river, the riverbanks near Kwan Ngan and Ni Don villages have collapsed and the walls of homes close to the river have cracked, according to a Kwan Ngan resident.

When MCLs’ operations ceased, the air quality of nearby villages improved. Villagers report their lives were more comfortable as there was no more noise from the factory. Local villagers worry that with operations beginning again, they will be subjected to negative impacts again.

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News